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Polling stations across the county are open today, Thursday 8 June, for the UK Parliamentary General Election. The polling stations will be open from 7am - 10pm at 228 community venues across the county so if you are eligible to vote, make sure you go along and cast your vote - it can really make a difference. Over recent weeks, polling cards have been sent to residents through the post informing them of their elector number and their local polling station. While it is helpful if the card is brought along when residents vote, it is not essential, so if you’ve mislaid it, you can still vote, as long as you are registered and eligible. If you are unsure where your local polling station is you can log on to the Northumberland County Council website www.northumberland.gov.uk and type your home postcode into the My Place box on the top right hand side of the home page. This will bring up details of your nearest polling station. Will Booth, elections manager at Northumberland County Council said: “By casting your vote you will be helping to decide how the UK is run. Voting enables you to help decide who represents your local area in parliament and it is their job to raise local issues and support you as much as they can.”

Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service is running a pilot initiative aimed at offering further support to former students from the Prince's Trust Team programme. Five students who still wish to improve their confidence and deal with low levels of self esteem and feelings of anxiety and depression are meeting every Thursday afternoon for twelve weeks to share their experiences and to discuss and practice strategies for overcoming personal challenges which affect their health and well being. The students have been influential in the design of the programme by identifying the key areas they want to focus on as well as the duration of the course and frequency of meetings they feel will work best for them. Some examples of topics which have been covered so far are negative thinking, assertiveness, mindfulness and health and well being. In between each session the group practice techniques they have discussed as a group and record how it has made a difference in their own personal workbook. The group are currently focusing on employability skills and how their increased confidence and coping strategies can help them in the process of applying for jobs and increase job satisfaction. Leanne from Seaton Delaval said "This course I have attended has been really helpful for me having more of a positive attitude and being more assertive I have managed to express when I have not wanted to do something outside the group ,without the group I would not have been able to confidently do this". Chief Fire Officer as Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service, Paul Hedley has supported the project, noting "Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service has identified an opportunity to re-engage with young people and offer a more bespoke programme of support which has involved listening to what young people feel the issues are for them and acting on it. In view of National SAFE Week I think this type of provision is important to consider. Addressing the health and well being issues which affect our young people can help them lead happier and safer lives".

Police are appealing for witnesses after an assault at a Newcastle nightclub. At around 2.30am on Thursday, June 1, police received a report that a 20-year-old man had been assaulted at Perdu on Collingwood Street in the city centre. Officers and paramedics attended and the man was taken to hospital with serious injuries but he has since been discharged. A 24-year-old man was arrested following the incident and has since been charged. He will appear before Bedlington Magistrates Court this morning. But police are still appealing for any witnesses to the incident to get in touch. Any witnesses, or anyone who has any information that could assist the investigation, should contact police on 101 quoting log 101 01/06/17 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Polling stations will be open on Thursday 8 June across Northumberland for the UK Parliamentary General Election. The polling stations will be open from 7am - 10pm at 228 community venues across the county so if you are eligible to vote, make sure you go along and cast your vote - it can really make a difference. Over recent weeks, polling cards have been sent to residents through the post informing them of their elector number and their local polling station. While it is helpful if the card is brought along when residents vote, it is not essential, so if you’ve mislaid it, you can still vote, as long as you are registered and eligible. Will Booth, elections manager at Northumberland County Council said: “ By casting your vote you will be helping to decide how the UK is run. Voting enables you to help decide who represents your local area in parliament and it is their job to raise local issues and support you as much as they can. ”

A campaign to raise awareness in the North East about protecting vulnerable people from abuse and harm is returning for its fourth year. SAFE week, which will take place between June 5 and June 11 this year, has previously raised awareness of protecting vulnerable adults, but this year’s campaign will also focus on safeguarding children. The broader scope of the campaign is reflected in the new campaign name – Safeguarding Awareness For Everyone (SAFE) week. To mark SAFE week, activities will be delivered in three local authority areas: North Tyneside, Newcastle and Northumberland. Key landmarks around the region will be lit up purple in honour of SAFE week, including St Mary’s Lighthouse, in North Tyneside and Newcastle’s Tyne Bridge. There will also be white flags raised outside buildings across the local authority areas to highlight issues around domestic abuse. Cllr Carole Burdis, North Tyneside Council’s cabinet member for community safety, said: “Everyone deserves to live their life free from harm and abuse but sadly that isn’t always the case. “Events like SAFE week are a great way for us to highlight this issue and let people know that it is okay to speak up. We have a great range of support across our region and they can help you get through any problems you may have.” As the lead organisation in safeguarding adults and young people at risk of harm, North Tyneside Council organises SAFE week in conjunction with multi-agency partners from health, police, Newcastle and Northumberland local authorities, as well as a range of voluntary and private providers. Veronica Jones, Cabinet Member for Safeguarding at Northumberland County Council said: "We are proud to support SAFE week and raise awareness regarding the messages and support available for anyone who is or knows someone affected by these issues. "Safeguarding is everybody's responsibility and the events throughout SAFE week and beyond highlight the important role we can all play to promote safety." Chief Inspector Steve Hails from Northumbria Police's Safeguarding Department, said: "We are pleased to support our partners in helping to keep people safe in Northumbria. "Victims are our absolute priority and we are working with some fantastic organisations and partners to be able to provide a full wrap-around of support for those who have been affected by abuse. "We would encourage anyone who has been a victim of domestic or sexual abuse - recently or in the past - to come forward and report it to police. Our specialist safeguarding officers are here to support victims and each case is treated in a highly confidential and sensitive way, with the welfare and safety of the victim being of paramount importance. "We want to stress that everyone has a part to play in tackling abuse and we would ask if you witnesses something that doesn't feel right with an adult or child, please report it to police. Safeguarding really is everyone's business." Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Vera Baird DBE QC, said: “People of all ages often don’t realise when they are vulnerable and they can get into situations through no fault of their own. Northumbria Police has a duty to look after them, whatever the circumstance, and working with partners and ensuring our officers are doing everything they can to protect vulnerable people is a top priority of mine. I congratulate this campaign, which is highlighting some very important issues such as domestic abuse and sexual exploitation, and I give it my full support.” Abuse can take many forms, including physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, institutional, discriminatory and neglect. Signs of abuse may include: Multiple bruising or finger marks Injuries which cannot be properly explained Deterioration of health for no apparent reason Loss of weight Inappropriate or inadequate clothing Withdrawal of changes in usual behaviour An unwillingness to be alone with a particular carer Unexplained shortage of money

Northumberland County Council has opened a book of condolence following the terrorist attack in London The book is available to sign at the reception area in County Hall, Morpeth, from today (June 6th). Daljit Lally, Interim Chief Executive of Northumberland County Council said: “Again the events in London at the weekend were truly shocking and I am sure I speak on behalf of everyone in Northumberland in sending our condolences to all those affected by all these terrible events. “We stand together with both London and Manchester, the victims and their families. Terrorism will not win”. #westandtogether

With just a few days to go until the UK Parliamentary General Election, postal voters are being urged to return their ballot papers. Northumberland County Council elections manager, Will Booth said: “ We all lead busy lives and it is easy to put your vote to one side and forget to return it. If you are voting by post, please post your vote back to us as soon as you can. “ There are around 55,000 postal voters across the county and around 90 per cent of these will use their vote. Each pack returned goes through a vigorous checking process to ensure the system is absolutely secure. Prompt return is an enormous help to our election team who check each returned postal ballot pack separately.” If you do think you might have left it too late, and your vote won't arrive in time if you post it, don’t panic. You can take your postal vote to a polling station in the constituency in which you live, on the day of the election, right up until the time when polling closes at 10pm. Please treat this as a last resort. If you have registered to vote by post and have not yet received your postal vote you should immediately contact Northumberland County Council’s election team on 01670 624811 or email elections@northumberland.gov.uk

This is an update in connection with an incident where chemicals were recovered from a property in Ashington. On Wednesday, May 31, police received a report of a male with a suspected firearm at an address in Chestnut Street, Ashington. Officers attended the address and following a search of the premises a quantity of chemicals, paraffin and paraphernalia were recovered. No firearm was found at the address. A 43-year-old man was arrested and tests are ongoing in relation to the chemicals recovered. Today Police have charged William John Rae, 43, of Chestnut Street, Ashington with offences relating to explosive substances. He has been remanded in custody and will appear at South East Magistrates' Court in Bedlington on Monday, June 5. Chief Superintendent Sharon Scott, of Northumbria Police, said "Extra officers have been in the area to carry out a number of inquiries and residents are thanked for their patience. "A number of materials were found at the address but we want to reassure the public that this is very much an isolated incident. "We understand that an arrest of this nature may cause people some concern but we do not believe that there is any risk to the public. "We always encourage people to report suspicious behaviour and anyone who has any concerns can call police on 101."

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Northumberland County Council’s Trading Standards service is warning residents of a new recall on tumble dryers, this time of those sold under the trade names Beko and Blomberg. The company’s safety alert relates to their 8kg and 9kg condenser tumble dryers, that were manufactured between May and November 2012. This has come about following concerns raised during their monitoring of their products, which found it could lead to overheating and the risk of fire. The affected models are: DCU9330W, DCU9330R, DCU8230, DSC85W, TKF8439A. Beko is requesting that owners contact them so that a free modification, if required, can be carried out. The check is free of charge and carried out in the home, and affected products will be modified to remove any potential risk. Paul Hedley, Chief Fire Officer, said: “The safety of Northumberland’s residents is our priority and action should be taken swiftly to check these goods to ensure lives are not put at risk. “We would always advise the public to check their electrical appliances if safety concerns arise. It is vital that users regularly check and clean their tumble dryers and carefully follow safety guidelines to reduce the risk of a fire.” Councillor John Riddle, Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing, Public Protection and Fire, added: “Residents need to make sure that they check to see if their tumble dryer is one of the affected ones and take the necessary steps to keep themselves, their families and their homes safe.” Owners can check whether their product is one of those affected at http://www.beko.co.uk/safety and https://www.beko.co.uk/dryerrepair#!/check/precheck Alternatively, owners can call 0800 917 2018 to speak to a member of Beko’s customer service team.

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Private letting agents are being invited to a forum next week to share best practice and get an update on any industry changes. The North of Tyne Managing Agent Event is a joint event between Northumberland County Council, North Tyneside Council and Newcastle City Council, together with the National Landlords Association. Following the success of the first such event last year, when more than 100 agents attended, this year’s forum will be held at the Holiday Inn, Seaton Burn, on Wed June 7th. It is an opportunity for letting agents to hear what services are on offer from their local council, as well as hearing from industry leaders. Guest speakers from organisations such as the Association of Residential Letting Agents, My Deposits and Northumbrian Water will be giving updates on everything from tax changes to dealing with disputes and adjudicators. Philip Soderquest, Head of Housing at Northumberland County Council, said: “We have decided to once again run this event, following the success of last year. “It is a key date for letting agents from across the county and will give them essential industry information, as well as allowing them the opportunity to meet up with other agents.” The event is free, but booking is essential and can be done through Eventbrite at www.eventbrite.co.uk putting North of Tyne Managing Agent Event into the search box. Or email privatesectorhousing@northumberland.gov.uk with your name and address, or calling the team on (01670) 623073.

Widened shared paths along the A192 to the south of the town and to adjacent housing estates; Crossing improvements on Stobhill roundabout; and An upgraded ‘toucan’ crossing point opposite Sainsbury’s that allows use by people on bikes and detects people waiting to cross. It is being implemented by the council and has been wholly funded by a £600,000 award through the North East LEP from the Local Growth Fund, part of the North East Growth Deal.

Cath McEvoy, Children’s Service Director at Northumberland County Council: “This was a great event which allowed the participating groups to get really creative about generating products that would sell, developing creative and entrepreneurial skills. The results of the sales were fantastic and each participating group should be very proud of their effort and contribution.”

Northumberland County Council Chief Executive Steven Mason is leaving the organisation to pursue fresh challenges. Steven has been with the council for nearly 15 years, working in a number of financial roles, and has been chief executive for the past three years. Speaking about his departure, Steven said: “It is with sadness that I have decided to leave the Council after nearly fifteen years service to the residents of Northumberland. “During my time the Council has faced many challenges, most notably local government reorganisation and the impact of cuts in local government funding over an extended period of time. “The Council’s approach and direction will change significantly following the recent County Council election and it is an appropriate time for new managerial leadership at a time when the political leadership has changed with a radically different agenda.” The Council Leader, County Councillor Peter Jackson, thanked Steven for leaving a strong and stable organisation which would give the new administration time to agree new priorities. The current Deputy Chief Executive Daljit Lally will be the interim Chief Executive. Following the formation of a new administration at full council yesterday it has been agreed Steven can leave immediately to allow a smooth transition to a new Chief Executive.

Historian and broadcaster John Grundy has been announced as the presenter at this year’s LOVE Northumberland Awards. The annual celebration of projects and initiatives that improve the county’s environment culminate in an event at The Alnwick Garden and, this July, John will be announcing the winning entries on the night. All shortlisted entries in seven categories are invited to the celebration event, and the winners are presented with their awards by Her Grace the Duchess of Northumberland. John Grundy has written and presented a variety of architectural and history programmes for both radio and television, and in the late 1990s co-wrote and edited the new edition of Niklaus Pevsner's ‘Northumberland’. He has introduced thousands of people to the unique and often breath-taking architecture of the North and has become one of the most popular presenters on local television. He is chair of the Friends of Beamish Museum. John says: “I have a huge love of the North of England, and Northumberland is a special favourite of mine. These awards are a fantastic way of helping to celebrate the work and commitment of community members in improving their local areas - for the benefit of all. I very much look forward to hearing about all the shortlisted projects - and announcing the winners on the night.” Paul Jones, director of local services and housing delivery at Northumberland County Council, said: “We are delighted that John is able to come along as presenter of the LOVE Northumberland awards this year. His detailed knowledge of Northumberland makes him ideally placed to help us to celebrate environmental and community projects across the county.” There is still time to get a last minute entry in for this year’s awards, before the closing date of Wednesday 31st May. Entries are invited in the categories of best new project; best urban project; best coast or countryside project; best young people’s project; best children’s project; best school recycling project; and outstanding individual. You can find further information about the categories and an application form at www.northumberland.gov.uk/LOVE, or by phoning 01670 622992.

Northumberland County Council has opened a book of condolence following the terrorist attack in Manchester. The book is available to sign at the reception area in County Hall, Morpeth, from today (May 24th). Daljit Lally, Deputy Chief Executive of Northumberland County Council said: “The events in Manchester were truly shocking and I am sure I speak on behalf of everyone in Northumberland in sending our condolences to all those affected by these terrible events. “We stand together with Manchester, the victims and their families. Terrorism will not win”. #westandtogether

Two people have been charged following a disturbance in Walker yesterday. At around 12 noon yesterday (Mon) police received a report that a group of people had been fighting with one another on Dunstanbrugh Road in Walker. Emergency services attended and found one man had suffered serious but non-life threatening injuries during the incident. He was taken to hospital by paramedics for treatment and is currently described as being in a stable condition. Three people were arrested by police following their attendance at the incident and officers have now charged two of those individuals. They are a 27-year-old man and a 45-year-old woman, both from Walker, who have been charged with wounding with intent to commit GBH, a common assault and possession of a bladed article. They will appear before Bedlington Magistrates Court this morning.

Police are appealing for witnesses following a burglary at a building site in Bedlington on Friday, May 5. It happened on Netherton Lane offenders forced their way onto the site and into the locked container and stole a quantity of tools. Police are appealing for witnesses, anyone who was in the area and who may have seen or heard anything suspicious, is asked to contact them. Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting reference number 052592G/17 or ring the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A man has been charged following a fire at a block of flats in Newcastle over the weekend. At around 8.30am on Sunday (7/5) police received a report of a fire at a block of flats on Haydon Close in Gosforth. Emergency services attended and the fire service were able to quickly bring the fire under control and contain it to one address. Nobody was injured and none of those evacuated required any medical treatment. There is also no link between this incident and the fire at a church in Whitley Bay on Saturday evening. An investigation into the incident was launched and a 28-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident. The man, who lives on Haydon Close, Gosforth, has now been charged with arson with intent to be reckless whether life endangered, criminal damage and threatening behaviour. He will appear before Bedlington Magistrates Court this morning. If you have any information about the incident you can still contact police on 101 quoting log 308 07/05/17.

Three teenagers will appear in court today charged with a string of offences following a rooftop stand-off over the weekend. At around 8am on Sunday we first received a call that some teenage boys had climbed onto the roof of a property in Westerhope, Newcastle. The teens then threw objects at members of the public and police officers who had gathered below. It caused a significant amount of disruption and damage to the local community as well as redirecting a large number of our resources. Two of the males - both aged 16 - were arrested following the incident. A 17-year-old male was taken to hospital for treatment to minor injuries sustained in a fall but was later arrested. Now all three have been charged with a string of offences including affray, criminal damage, theft from motor vehicle, resisting arrest and an assault of a police officer. The males - who cannot be named for legal reasons - will appear before Bedlington Magistrates Court this morning.

Police are appealing for witnesses following a one vehicle collision in Bedlington. Officers received a call at 4.42am on Thursday, April 20, that a car travelling on the A193 had left the road on Attlee Bank in Northumberland. Emergency services attended and found the vehicle a Renault Megane, had for reasons yet to be established, gone through a barrier and down an embankment and entered the river approximately 50 feet below. The car contained an 18-year-old male driver, the sole occupant of the vehicle, who was rescued from the vehicle by emergency services. He was taken to NSEC Hospital at Cramlington with injuries, his condition is described as stable. The A193 road was closed to enable the casualty to be dealt with and the vehicle removed, and was re-opened by 9.30am. It is believed that the collision occurred sometime before the incident was reported to police and officers want to hear from anyone who was on that stretch of road from midnight onwards who may have witnessed the incident. Police are appealing for witnesses anyone with information is asked to contact Motor Patrols on 101 quoting reference 111 of 20/04/17.